LEEDCo Appoints ODE as Engineering Representative for Icebreaker

The Lake Erie Energy Development Corporation (LEEDCo) in Cleveland, Ohio has appointed international engineering and operations support services contractor Offshore Design Engineering Limited (ODE) as the engineering representative for Icebreaker Wind, a 20.7MW offshore wind project in Lake Erie.

The appointment is the latest development in a three-year relationship between ODE and LEEDCo, the regional non-profit corporation that has proposed this six turbine wind demonstration project located 8-10 miles off the shore of Cleveland in Lake Erie, the first freshwater offshore wind project in North America.

ODE has supported LEEDCo with technical expertise, knowledge of offshore wind projects internationally and relevant information needed to support the demonstration project, which is part of the US Department of Energy (DOE) program to promote the installation of innovative offshore wind systems in the USA.

The latest phase of work will involve ODE facilitating the certified verification agent (CVA) process for the project. This includes the completion of the basis of design, design methodology, independent loads analysis and support in other aspects of the project’s development by providing appropriate technical and commercial expertise.

ODE managing director Peter Godfrey said: “We regard the Icebreaker project as a critical component in the development of the US offshore wind industry. We are pleased to have supported LEEDCo from the very early conceptual stages through to this latest level and beyond. Our vast experience in the offshore wind industry means that we are well placed to partner with LEEDCo all the way to project delivery and completion. This is an important project for the offshore wind industry and we are excited to be a part of it.”

LEEDCo is partnering with Fred.Olsen Renewables USA on the project, and has received over USD 10 million from the US Department of Energy, with an additional USD 40 million in federal funding contingent on meeting future milestones.

“We are very excited to have a partner with the vast experience in the design, installation, commissioning and operations and maintenance of offshore wind farms of ODE. Bringing this expertise to the U.S. is critical to advancing the offshore wind industry here,” LEEDCo president Dr. Lorry Wagner said.

Icebreaker Wind is the first project to withstand significant foundation icing conditions, surface ice and keel ice loads on the structure, and the first to acquire a submerged lands lease option in the Great Lakes, ODE said.

Daniel Woodman, ODE business development manager, North America – offshore wind energy said: “Although we are known for our support to this sector internationally, our work with LEEDCo really enhances our visibility and presence in North America, which is a key focus for us. We look forward to assisting LEEDCo bring the Icebreaker project to fruition.”